Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Chicken Parmesan will be your new favorite:

Crispy, Crunchy Chicken: The chicken is perfectly breaded with Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, creating a golden, crunchy crust.
Flavorful, Not Soggy: Instead of drowning the chicken in sauce and cheese, this recipe adds a balanced amount of each to keep the crust crispy and the flavors fresh.
Easy to Make: Despite its impressive presentation, this dish is easy to prepare with simple steps that guarantee a delicious result.
Customizable: You can adjust the level of sauce or cheese to suit your preferences.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Crispy Chicken Parmesan:

For the Chicken:

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 large eggs
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, or more as needed
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, or more if needed
½ cup olive oil for frying (or as needed)

For the Topping:

½ cup prepared tomato sauce
¼ cup fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
½ cup grated provolone cheese
2 teaspoons olive oil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of heavy plastic (resealable freezer bags work well) on a solid, level surface.
Use the smooth side of a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness of ½ inch. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly.

2. Season and Coat the Chicken

Season the chicken thoroughly with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle flour over the chicken breasts, evenly coating both sides. Use a sifter or strainer to evenly distribute the flour.
In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs and set them aside.
In another bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese.
Dip each flour-coated chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs into both sides. Repeat this for each chicken breast.
Rest the chicken for 10-15 minutes to allow the coating to adhere.

3. Fry the Chicken

Heat ½ cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan—cook the chicken in batches if necessary.

4. Assemble the Chicken Parmesan

Transfer the fried chicken breasts to a baking sheet.
Spoon a little tomato sauce onto each piece of chicken.
Top with fresh mozzarella, grated provolone, and a sprinkle of the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Drizzle olive oil over the top for extra flavor and moisture.

5. Bake

Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped basil.
Serve your Chicken Parmesan over a bed of spaghetti, or enjoy it with garlic bread or salad for a full meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 10 minutes (resting and baking)
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

This recipe is versatile, so feel free to adjust it to your preferences:

Sauce Options: You can use store-bought marinara or homemade tomato sauce for extra flavor.
Cheese Variety: Feel free to substitute mozzarella and provolone with other cheeses like fontina or cheddar for a different taste.
Add Veggies: You can add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms between the chicken and sauce for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken Parmesan in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can! Boneless chicken thighs are juicier and flavorful, and they work well in this recipe.

Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken up to the point of frying, and then refrigerate the breaded chicken for up to 24 hours before frying. Once assembled, Chicken Parmesan can be baked and stored for later.

What if I don’t have fresh mozzarella?

If you don’t have fresh mozzarella, you can use shredded mozzarella. However, fresh mozzarella provides a creamier, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?

Yes, gluten-free breadcrumbs will work as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs. Just make sure to check your other ingredients for gluten if needed.

How do I prevent the breading from falling off?

Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken after dipping it in the egg mixture, and let it rest before frying to ensure the coating sticks.

Conclusion

This Chicken Parmesan recipe gives you the perfect balance of crispy chicken, melted cheese, and savory sauce. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal or a special occasion, this dish will never disappoint! Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!

Chicken Parmesan